Fan module

ABSTRACT

A fan module is removable from an electronic component by opening a hinged door of the component and removing the fan module from the door. The fan module is removably received within a slot or recess in the door, and is installed or de-installed in a direction non-coincident with the pivotal motion of the door. Removal of the fan module prior to pivotal movement of the door is prevented with a screw mechanism and/or an interlock tab associated with a retractable handle provided in a recess along a top surface of the fan module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/260,902, filed on Nov. 30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/186,737, filed on Jun. 30, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/186,542, filed on Jun. 30, 2015, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to cooling of electronic components, and more particularly to electronic components incorporating fan modules configured to promote cooling of such components, as well as methods incorporating use of fan modules with electronic components.

Electronic equipment often requires forced air cooling to prevent overheating. Forced air cooling is performed by fans that blow air over electronic components or over heat sinks connected to the electronic components. Cooling fans often operate continuously or are cycled on and off in a substantially continuous manner, and thus require maintenance for a variety of reasons. Because space is at a premium in most electronic assemblies, fans are often mounted in tight and/or relatively inaccessible locations, and service technicians require knowledge of how such fans are installed into and removed from an electronic assembly. Even when such technicians already have such knowledge, removal and installation of fans may require complex and time-consuming manipulation of an electronic assembly and the associated fan component(s). If replacement of a fan requires removal of an electronic component from a rack or other assembly, then the electronic component may need to be temporarily removed from service.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to clamps for routing cables, and more particularly to clamps for routing optical fiber cables and electrical cables along substantially the same path, which may be located on a face or another surface of an electronic component.

Optical fibers are vulnerable to mechanical pressure. The routing of optical fibers and electrical (e.g., coaxial or other copper-containing) cables together with optical cables often creates mechanical pressure that may damage optical fibers, particularly when electrical cables in contact with optical fibers are inserted, routed, or removed.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an electronic component comprises an enclosure having a front side and a rear side, and a fan module configured for pivotal motion with respect to the enclosure, the fan module comprising at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure. The fan module is configured to be moveable along a travel direction not coincident with the pivotal motion, to allow the fan module to be separated from the electronic component. In this manner, the fan module may be pivoted away from the enclosure to provide easy access by a technician (optionally to gain access to a retention mechanism to permit disengagement of the fan module), and the fan module may be moved along the travel direction to permit removal and replacement of the fan module without requiring time-consuming manipulation and/or suspension of operation of the electronic component.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to an electronic component that comprises an enclosure having a front side and a rear side, a door mounted to the enclosure and defining a slot or recess, and a fan module configured to be removably received within the slot or recess to permit the fan module to be selectively installed or de-installed relative to the door. The door is arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the enclosure, and the fan module comprises at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure. In this manner, the door may be pivoted away from the enclosure to provide easy access by a technician (optionally to gain access to a retention mechanism to permit disengagement between the enclosure and the fan module), and the fan module may be installed or de-installed relative to the door without requiring time-consuming manipulation and/or suspension of operation of the electronic component.

Yet another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of servicing an electronic component that includes an enclosure. The method comprises pivotally moving a hinged door of the enclosure about a pivot axis, opening the hinged door relative to the enclosure, wherein the hinged door comprises a fan module including at least one fan, and moving the fan module along a travel direction non-coincident with a direction of pivotal motion of the hinged door until the fan module is separated from the electronic component.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a clamp for routing cables, the clamp comprising a base and a retention section coupled to the base. The retention section comprises an exterior arm at least partially enclosing a first cable retention area, and an interior arm at least partially enclosing a second cable retention area. In this manner, a first group of cables (e.g., optical fibers) may be routed through the first cable retention area, and a second group of cables (e.g., electrically conductive cables each having at least one metallic conductive wire therein) may be routed through the second cable retention area. This configuration avoids contact between the respective cable groups, and minimizes the possibility that insertion, routing, or removal of electrically conductive cables will apply potentially damaging mechanical pressure to optical fibers when such cables and fibers are separately contained in the respective cable groups.

Yet another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a routing arrangement for cables, the routing arrangement comprising a plurality of clamps, a first cable group, and a second cable group. Each clamp comprises a base and a retention section connected to the base, the retention section having an exterior arm at least partially enclosing a first cable retention area, and an interior arm at least partially enclosing a second cable retention area. The first cable group comprises at least one first cable accommodated in the first cable retention area of each clamp of the plurality of clamps, and the second cable group comprising at least one second cable accommodated in the second cable retention area of each clamp of the plurality of clamps. Such arrangement avoids contact between the respective cable groups, and minimizes the possibility that insertion, routing, or removal of electrically conductive cables will apply potentially damaging mechanical pressure to optical fibers when such cables and fibers are separately contained in the respective cable groups.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front upper perspective view illustration of an electronic component including a fan module according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side upper perspective view illustration of a front portion of the electronic component including the fan module illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side upper perspective view illustrations of a front portion of the electronic component of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the fan module in a state of being partially removed from the electronic component;

FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view illustration of a front face of the fan module of FIGS. 1-3B;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view illustration of the front face of the fan module of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view illustration of a rear face of the fan module of FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 7 is a front upper perspective view illustration, and FIG. 8 is a side upper perspective view illustration, of the electronic component of FIGS. 1-6 with a hinged door of the electronic component in an open position, and with the fan module removed and arranged above the open door.

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view illustration of a magnified portion of the enclosure and the hinged door of FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustration of a routing clamp according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view illustration of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view illustration of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a front upper perspective view illustration of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view illustration of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustration of an arrangement of multiple routing clamps in which two groups of cables are routed.

FIG. 16 is a front upper perspective view illustration of an electronic component supporting multiple routing clamps.

FIG. 17 is a rear lower perspective view illustration of the electronic component and routing clamps illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a magnified top perspective view illustration of a portion of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view illustration of a portion of an electronic component including a panel defining apertures configured to receive mounting projections of a routing clamp according to FIG. 10.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of another electronic component including a panel that defines apertures in which mounting projections of a routing clamp according to FIG. 10 are received.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this disclosure relate to electronic components incorporating fan modules configured to promote cooling of such components. In this regard, in one example, an electronic component includes an enclosure and a fan module comprising at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure. The fan module is configured to be moveable along a travel direction not coincident with the pivotal motion, to allow the fan module to be separated from the electronic component. Optionally, a hinged door is mounted to the enclosure, and the fan module is configured to be removably mounted to the hinged door. In another example, an electronic component comprises an enclosure, a door mounted to the enclosure and defining a slot or recess, and a fan module configured to be removably received within the slot or recess to permit the fan module to be selectively installed or de-installed relative to the door. The door is arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the enclosure, and the fan module comprises at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure.

According to one aspect, quick removal of a fan module allows faulty fans to be replaced quickly, without stopping operation of the electronic components within an enclosure. Pivoting a fan module away from the enclosure provides easy access to the technician for removal and replacement of the fan module. A fan module can also be replaced by opening a door and moving (e.g., translating and/or rotating) the fan module out of a slot or recess associated with the door. This operation can be done, for example, manually without using tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches. According to another embodiment, a fan module can be slid along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of a door to remove the fan module from the door.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a clamp for routing cables, the clamp comprising a base and a retention section coupled to the base. The retention section comprises an exterior arm at least partially enclosing a first cable retention area, and an interior arm at least partially enclosing a second cable retention area. In this manner, a first group of cables (e.g., optical fibers) may be routed through the first cable retention area, and a second group of cables (e.g., electrically conductive cables each having at least one metallic conductive wire therein) may be routed through the second cable retention area. This configuration avoids contact between the respective cable groups, and minimizes the possibility that insertion, routing, or removal of electrically conductive cables will apply potentially damaging mechanical pressure to optical fibers when such cables and fibers are separately contained in the respective cable groups.

Various exemplary embodiments of electronic components incorporating fan modules will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Various exemplary embodiments of routing clamp will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 10 to 20.

In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic component 100 having an enclosure 102, and a fan module 130 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The fan module 130 is mounted on a hinged door 110 of the electronic component 100, and is configured for fast and easy removal from the electronic component 100. The enclosure 102 includes a front side 104 and a rear side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged door 110 is pivotably mounted to the enclosure 102 about an axis A-A, such as with at least one hinge element (not shown in FIG. 1). The door 110 is positioned proximate to the front side 104 and includes an air-permeable grille or screen 112 that enables the fan module 130 to force air from a surrounding environment into the enclosure 102 to exit through one or more openings (not shown), which may be defined in the rear side 106. The large arrows indicate the general direction of cooling air through the electronic component 100. The cooling air cools, for example, electronics within the enclosure 102. The exemplary electronic component 100 has a generally parallelepiped-shaped structure, although other configurations can be used. The electronic component 100, optionally configured for mounting in a rack (not shown), may contain any suitable number or types of signal processing, communication, routing, switching, storage, signal receiving, and/or signal transmitting components, optionally implemented in one or more modules.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front portion of the electronic component 100 including the fan module 130 of FIG. 1. A shown in FIG. 2, the fan module 130 is located within the hinged door 110, with a top surface 132 of the fan module 130 being generally coplanar with a top of the door 110 as well as a top wall of the enclosure 102. The hinged door 110 allows pivotal motion of the fan module 130 with respect to the enclosure 102. The top surface 132 defines a recess 152 containing a retractable handle 150 configured for manual operation by a technician to permit the technician to pull the fan module 130 in a vertical direction, to separate the fan module 130 from the door 110 and the electronic component 100.

Although the embodiment disclosed in connection with FIG. 2 contemplates movement of the fan module 130 by vertical translation, other types of movement may be used. For example, translation may be vertical and/or horizontal. In alternative aspects, the fan module is configured to be moveable along the travel direction by rotation, or by a combination of translation and rotation. If the travel direction involves rotation, then such rotation is non-coincident with (e.g., orthogonal to) the pivotal motion of the fan module. In one aspect, the pivotal motion occurs around a pivot axis (which may be defined by a hinge), and the travel direction of the fan module is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. In one example, each of the pivot axis and the travel direction is substantially vertical.

Moreover, although the fan module 130 of FIG. 2 is detachable from the hinged door 110, in alternative embodiments, a fan module may comprise substantially all of a front door of an enclosure, so that removing such a fan module allows access to desired components and other parts, structures, cables, and systems within the enclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front portion of the electronic component 100, showing the fan module 130 in a state of being partially removed from the door 110, which is pivoted slightly open with respect to the enclosure 102 by rotation of the door 110 around a pivot axis A by moving an end of the door 110 along a pivot direction indicated by a curved arrow B. The fan module 130 is located behind the air-permeable grille or screen 112 of the door 110. As shown in FIG. 3A, a retractable handle 150 including an interlock tab 154 and extension rods 160 may be extended upward from a recess 152 defined in the top surface 132 to permit a technician to manually pull the fan module 130 upward (e.g., in a direction parallel to arrow C) for removal of the fan module 130 from the door 110. In certain embodiments, the pull direction can be aligned with, or generally aligned with, the pivot axis A-A. Although fan module 130 of FIG. 3A is shown with four fans 170, it is to be appreciated that any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more) of fans may be incorporated into a single fan module. Each fan 170 is preferably electrically operated. Presence of multiple fans 170 in a single fan module 130 may mitigate the risk of fan failure and promote reliable cooling operation, since simultaneous failure of multiple fans 170 is relatively unlikely. The exemplary fans 170 spin about axes oriented substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis A-A and the travel direction of the module.

In certain implementations, a fan module can include one or more connections to receive power, data, operational instructions, and other signals or communications. In one exemplary aspect, one or more connections are automatically established between a fan module and either a door or an enclosure upon removable insertion of a fan module (e.g., insertion of a fan module into a slot or recess). In another aspect, one or more mating connections may be established between a fan module and an electronic component as a door is closed with the fan module mounted therein. According to the foregoing aspects, no tools or other operations may be required to connect a fan module to an electrical component to establish electrical communication therebetween, e.g., for power supply, control, and communications.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front portion of the electronic component 100 from a different vantage point of FIG. 3A, but similarly showing the fan module 130 in a state of being partially removed from the door 110. As shown in FIG. 3B, the fan module 130 is positioned within a recess or slot defined between the air-permeable grille or screen 112 and a rear rim portion 118 of the door 110. The door 110 further defines a lower wall 114 with an alignment feature 116 defining a V-shaped groove arranged to receive a lower alignment tab of the fan module 130. FIG. 3B also shows the retractable handle 150 proximate to the top surface 132 of the fan module 130 in a retracted position, and shows a rear wall 140 of the fan module 130 being proximate to the rear rim portion 118 of the door 110. Optionally, the electronic component 100 includes an engagement mechanism embodied in a latch element 125 configured to cooperate with forwardly-extending spring tabs 127 associated with the enclosure 102 to selectively latch the door 110 to the enclosure 102, thereby disallowing pivotal motion of the door 110 and the fan module 130 with respect to the enclosure 102 when the latch element 125 is engaged with the spring tabs 127. The engagement mechanism may, for example, be activated manually by a technician.

Although FIG. 3B discloses a vertically extending slot or recess defined in the hinged door 110, other orientations are contemplated. For example, the slot or recess may be defined in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction, non-coincident with the pivotal motion of the fan module. Additionally, in certain aspects an engagement mechanism may include a handle that, when activated, releases at least one locking component configured to secure the fan module 130 to the enclosure 102.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate a front face of the fan module 130 from different perspectives. Referring to FIG. 4, the fan module includes four fans 170 arranged in a rectangular orientation with one pair of fans 170 above another pair, with the four fans 170 configured to operate in parallel with one another. A horizontally arranged structural member 138 is positioned between upper and lower pairs of fans 170. A pair of extension rods 160 including cylindrical travel stops 158 extend downward from a medial surface 162 arranged generally above and between the upper pair of fans 170, with the extension rods 160 being coupled with a retractable handle 150 (shown in FIG. 5), and the cylindrical travel stops 158 serving to limit upward travel of the retractable handle 150. Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, a downwardly-extending lower alignment tab 136 is positioned between the lower pair of fans 170, and is arranged to be received in an alignment feature associated with a bottom wall of a door configured to receive the fan module 130. The fan module 130 additionally includes a downward-facing first electrical plug or receptacle 168 coupled to a circuit board 166 that may include control, communication, signal processing, sensory, and/or power conditioning components arranged to cooperate with the fans 170. Preferably, the first electrical plug or receptacle 168 is configured to communicate power signals and/or data signals between the fan module 130 and an electronic component configured to receive the fan module 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrical plug or receptacle 168 is arranged between the circuit board 166 and a rear wall 140 of the fan module 130, and the fans 170 and the circuit board 166 are arranged between lateral end walls 134.

Although fan modules described herein may be fabricated of any suitable material (e.g., metal, composites, polymeric material, etc.), in certain embodiments, at least some elements of a fan module may be fabricated of metal (e.g., aluminum sheet material) to promote shielding of electronics including items mounted in a circuit board 166.

FIG. 5 illustrates many of the same components of the fan module 130 shown in FIG. 4 (including the fans 170, the structural member 138, the lower alignment tab 136, the lateral end walls 134, and the circuit board 166), with further detail concerning the retractable handle 150 and associated features. A downwardly-extending recess 152 is defined in a central portion of the top surface 132, with the recess 152 containing the retractable handle 150. A pair of extension rods 160 extending downward from apertures defined in a medial surface bounding the recess 152 permit the retractable handle 150 to be extended in an upward direction, while cylindrical travel stops 158 at terminal ends of the extension rods 160 limit upward extension of the retractable handle 150. An interlock tab 154 extends in a rearward direction from the retractable handle 150, and is configured to extend through a notch 156 defined in the rear wall 140 of the fan module 130 to protrude into an interior of the enclosure when a door containing the fan module 130 is closed, thereby preventing upward movement and removal of the fan module 130 when the door is in a closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear face of the fan module 130, including a rear wall 140 defining apertures registered with the fans 170 to enable air to be forced therethrough, with the fans 170 and the rear wall 140 arranged generally between lateral end walls 134. FIG. 6 also illustrates the recess 152 defined in the top surface 132 containing the retractable handle 150 with an associated interlock tab 154 extending through the notch 156 defined in the rear wall 140. Further shown is the downwardly-extending lower alignment tab 136 is positioned between the lower pair of fans 170, which is arranged to be received in an alignment feature associated with a bottom wall of a door configured to receive the fan module 130.

FIG. 7 illustrates the electronic component 100 with the hinged door 110 of the enclosure 102 in an open position, and with the fan module 130 in an uninstalled or removed state and arranged above the open door 110. The enclosure 102 defines an interior 108 and includes multiple parallel slots 172 extending generally between the front side 104 and the rear side 106 of the enclosure 102. As an alternative to the spring tabs illustrated in FIG. 3B, the enclosure 102 includes a protruding closure element 126 that is arranged to cooperate with a recess (not shown) defined in the hinged door 110. The hinged door 110 includes an air-permeable grille or screen 112 and a rear rim portion 118 that in combination bound an upper portion of a vertically extending recess or slot configured to receive the fan module 130. The fan module 130 includes four fans 170. A recess 152 defined in a top surface 132 contains a retractable handle 150 having an associated interlock tab 154 arranged to extend through a notch 156 defined in a rear wall of the fan module 130, wherein the retractable handle 150 may be used by a technician to withdraw the fan module 130 in an upward direction to separate the module from the hinged door 110 and the enclosure 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates many of the same components positioned in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., including generally the enclosure 102, the hinged door 110, and the fan module 130), but provides additional detail concerning the hinged door 110 and associated features. The hinged door 110 includes a hinge 122 as well as an air-permeable grille or screen 112 and a rear rim portion 118 that in combination bound an upper portion of a vertically extending recess or slot configured to receive the fan module 130. The rear rim portion 118 includes a screw 120 arranged to selectively engage a rear portion (e.g., an aperture defined in the rear wall 140) of the fan module 130 for securing the fan module 130 to the hinged door 110, and further preventing removal of the fan module 130 unless the hinged door 110 is moved to an open position and the screw 120 is disengaged. The hinged door 110 further includes a lower wall 114 with an alignment feature 116 defining a V-shaped groove arranged to receive a lower alignment tab of the fan module 130. An upward-facing second electrical plug or receptacle 128 is provided along the lower wall 114 proximate to the hinge 122, and is arranged to cooperate with a corresponding electrical plug or receptacle associated with the fan module 130 to communicate power signals and/or data signals between the fan module 130 and the electronic component 100. The fan module 130 includes a downwardly-extending lower alignment tab 136 positioned between a lower pair of two pairs of fans 170, which are mounted forwardly of the rear wall 140. A retractable handle 150 having a rearwardly extending interlock tab 154 is further provided proximate to a top surface 132 of the fan module 130. In operation of the fan module 130, air is forced through the interior 108 of the enclosure 102 in a direction from the front side 104 toward the rear side 106.

FIG. 9 illustrates a magnified portion of the enclosure 102 and the hinged door 110 illustrated in FIG. 8, with the hinged door 110 in an open position. A hinge 122 is provided between the hinged door 110 and the enclosure 102. Multiple parallel slots 172 for receiving electronic modules (not shown) are provided within an interior of the enclosure 102. An air-permeable grille or screen 112 and a rear rim portion 118 in combination bound an upper portion of a vertically extending recess or slot configured to receive a fan module, wherein the rear rim portion 118 includes a screw 120 arranged to selectively engage a rear portion of the fan module. The hinged door 110 further includes a lower wall 114 with an alignment feature 116 defining a V-shaped groove arranged to receive a lower alignment tab of the fan module. An upward-facing second electrical plug or receptacle 128 is provided along the lower wall 114 proximate to the hinge 122, and is arranged to cooperate with a corresponding electrical plug or receptacle associated with the fan module.

In one exemplary aspect, a hinged door is mounted to the enclosure, and the fan module is removably mounted to the hinged door. According to this aspect, the hinged door allows the pivotal motion of the fan module with respect to the enclosure. In one aspect, the hinged door defines a slot or recess, and the fan module is configured to be removably received within the slot or recess. This arrangement permits removable mounting of the fan module to the hinged door. For example, the slot or recess may be defined in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction, non-coincident with the pivotal motion of the fan module.

Another embodiment relates to a method of servicing an electronic component including an enclosure. The method comprises pivotally moving a hinged door of the enclosure about a pivot axis, opening the hinged door relative to the enclosure, wherein the hinged door comprises a fan module including at least one fan, and moving the fan module along a travel direction non-coincident with a direction of pivotal motion of the hinged door until the fan module is separated from the electronic component. In one aspect, movement of the fan module along the travel direction includes translation of the fan module in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis. Optionally, the method may further include disengaging a retention mechanism configured for releasable engagement between the fan module and the hinged door prior to the movement of the fan module along the travel direction. An exemplary hinged door defines a slot or recess, and movement of the fan module along the travel direction comprises removal of the fan module from the slot or recess. In one aspect, movement of the fan module along the travel direction disconnects at least one data connection or power connection between the fan module and the electronic component.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a clamp for routing cables, the clamp comprising a base and a retention section coupled to the base. The retention section comprises an exterior arm at least partially enclosing a first cable retention area, and an interior arm at least partially enclosing a second cable retention area. In this manner, a first group of cables (e.g., optical fibers) may be routed through the first cable retention area, and a second group of cables (e.g., electrically conductive cables each having at least one metallic conductive wire therein) may be routed through the second cable retention area. This configuration avoids contact between the respective cable groups, and minimizes the possibility that insertion, routing, or removal of electrically conductive cables will apply potentially damaging mechanical pressure to optical fibers when such cables and fibers are separately contained in the respective cable groups.

Various embodiments of clamps for routing cables, and routing arrangements for cables including use of multiple clamps, will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 10 to 20.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a routing clamp 200 according to a first embodiment. The routing clamp 200 has a base 220 and a retention section 230. The base 220 includes a base wall 234, mounting projections 236 extending from the base wall 234, and upper and lower webs 240, 246 connecting the base wall 234 to a portion of the retention section 230. The upper and lower webs 240, 246, which provide a stiffening function, are oriented generally perpendicularly to the base wall 234 and to a triangle-shaped transverse wall 242. Although two mounting projections 236 are illustrated, it is to be appreciated that any suitable number of one, two, three or more mounting projections may be provided.

The retention section 230 defines a first cable retention area 244 and a second cable retention area 248. The first cable retention area 244 can be configured to retain a first group of one or more cables 254, and the second cable retention area 248 can be configured to retain a second group of one or more cables 258. The second cable retention area 248 is located between the base wall 234 and the first cable retention area 244.

The retention section 230 includes an exterior arm 262 formed by a first arm section 264 extending from a bottom side of the base 220 along a longitudinal axis D of the routing clamp 200, a second arm section 268 extending (e.g., upwardly) from the first arm section 264, and a third arm section 272 extending from the second arm section 268 in a direction generally toward the base wall 234. The first arm section 264 can join the second arm section 268 at a curved transition, and the two sections 264, 268 can form an angle in a range, for example, of 45 degrees to 135 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is approximately 90 degrees, such that the second arm section 268 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis D. A ridge 286 can extend along all or a portion of the exterior arm 262 so as to provide strength and/or rigidity to the exterior arm 262.

The third arm section 272 can be joined to the second arm section 268 at a curved transition. The third arm section 272 can form, for example, an acute angle with the second arm section 268. In the illustrated embodiment, the acute angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 85 degrees. A fourth arm section 280 extends from an insertion side of the base 220 opposed to the third arm section 272, and is further affixed to the upper web 240. Additionally, the fourth arm section 280, in conjunction with the third arm section 272 of the retention section 230, define a first insertion opening 284. The first insertion opening 284 opens into and allows cables to be inserted into the first cable retention area 244. The first insertion opening 284 also provides access to insert cables into the second cable retention area 248.

The second cable retention area 248 is defined in part by an interior arm 294. The interior arm 294 extends from the first arm section 264 of the exterior arm 262, and opposes the base 220 to form a second insertion opening 296. The interior arm 294 and the second cable retention area 248 are accommodated within the first cable retention area 244, and can enclose an area that is, for example, less than one third of the area enclosed by the exterior arm 262. According to the illustrated embodiment, in order to insert medial portions of cables into the second cable retention area 248, each cable is first passed through the first insertion opening 284, and then passed through the second insertion opening 296.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are side perspective view and rear perspective view illustrations, respectively, of the routing clamp 200 illustrated in FIG. 10. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper web 240 connects the base wall 234 to the fourth arm section 280 to provide strength and rigidity to the clamp 200. The fourth arm section 280 and the third arm section 272 can be configured, for example, to deform so that the distal ends of the two arm sections 280, 272 engage, with the third arm section 272 overlapping and abutting the fourth arm section 280 in a static position to close off the first insertion opening 284.

FIGS. 13 and 14 provide front upper perspective view and side perspective view illustrations, respectively, of the routing clamp illustrated in FIG. 10, and depict the same elements described in FIGS. 10 to 12. With particular reference to FIG. 13, each mounting projection 236 includes a medially extending tab portion 238, such that each mounting projection 236 resembles an “L” shape when viewed from above.

FIG. 15 illustrates multiple clamps 200 arranged in series, with each clamp 200 including a base 220 and a retention section 230. Each clamp 200 accommodates the first group of one or more cables 254 in its first cable retention areas 244, and accommodates the second group of one or more cables 258 in its second cable retention areas 248. The groups of one or more cables 254, 258 can be routed through the series of clamps 200 so that, for example, cables of one type are accommodated in the first cable retention areas 244, and cables of a second type are accommodated in the second cable retention areas 248. According to another embodiment, cables intended for connection to one portion of a system can be routed through the first cable retention areas 244, and cables intended for connection to another portion of the system can be routed through the second cable retention areas 248. In one exemplary embodiment, the first group of one or more cables 254 comprises one or more optical cables having one or more optical fibers therein, and the second group of one or more cables 258 comprises one or more electrically conductive cables having at least one metallic conductive wire therein. The cables 254, 258 may include, for example, polymeric jackets. Either group of cables 254, 258 can include, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six or more cables.

The arrangement shown in FIG. 15 can be arranged on an electronic component, such as the component 320 shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, a series of clamps 200 is arranged in series along a front panel 322 of the component 320.

FIG. 17 illustrates the rear side of the electronic component 320 shown in FIG. 16. According to one embodiment, the clamps 200 can be mounted through snap fitting, slot retention, frictional engagement, or other engagement of the mounting projections 236 in mounting apertures 328 (e.g., defining slots) on the front panel 322 of the electronic component 320. Preferably, each mounting projection 236 of the clamps 200 has a corresponding mounting aperture 328 defined on the front panel 322.

The clamps 200 according to the present specification can be formed from, for example, molded plastic material, thermoplastics, other plastics, metals, rubbers, and/or other materials. In certain embodiments, clamps 200 as disclosed herein may be produced by injection molding or by other techniques.

According to one embodiment, a method of arranging cables on a component includes mounting a series of clamps 200 on a component, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Each clamp 200 includes features described above in connection with FIGS. 10 to 15. The clamps 200 are mounted by inserting the mounting projections 236 into mounting apertures 328 defined in or on the front panel 322. Cables 258 can be inserted through the first insertion opening 284 of each clamp 200, and then further inserted through the second insertion opening 296 of each clamp 200, so that the cables 258 are accommodated within the second cable retention areas 248. Additionally, cables 254 may be inserted through the first insertion opening 284 so that the cables 254 are accommodated within the second cable retention areas 248.

FIG. 18 is a magnified top perspective view illustration of a portion of the routing clamp 200 illustrated in FIG. 10. The upper web 240 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the base wall 234 and to a triangle-shaped transverse wall 242. Each mounting projection 236 extends from the base wall 234 and includes a medially extending tab portion 238, such that each mounting projection 236 resembles an “L” shape when viewed from above.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view illustration of a portion of an electronic component including a panel 330 defining apertures 338 configured to receive mounting projections 236 of a routing clamp 200 according to FIG. 10. Each aperture 338 includes a wide insertion section 340 and a narrowed retention section 342. Each wide insertion section 340 is configured to receive an entire mounting projection 236 of a clamp 200 disclosed herein, including the medially extending tab portions 238. Thereafter, the clamp 200 may be moved downward to cause intermediate portions of each mounting projection to be received in the narrowed retention section 342 to engage the clamp. Optionally, each narrowed retention section 342 may include an indentation 344 that may cooperate with a cross-sectional shape of a mounting projection 236.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of another electronic component including a panel 330 that defines apertures 338 in which mounting projections 236 of a routing clamp 200 according to FIG. 10 are received. Each aperture 338 includes a wide insertion section 340 and a narrowed retention section 342, and as shown in FIG. 20, each mounting projection 236 is received in the narrowed retention section 342 to promote engagement of the clamp 200 to the panel 330. The base wall 234 of the clamp is visible through the wide insertion sections 340 of the apertures 338.

Usage of clamps 200 as disclosed herein enables contact between different cable groups to be avoided, and minimizes the possibility that insertion, routing, or removal of electrically conductive cables will apply potentially damaging mechanical pressure to optical fibers when such cables and fibers are separately contained in the respective cable groups. Such clamps are also readily installed in electronic components without tools, and are easily fabricated using conventional techniques.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. An electronic component, comprising: an enclosure comprising a front side and a rear side; and a fan module configured for pivotal motion with respect to the enclosure, the fan module comprising at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure, wherein the fan module is further configured to be moveable along a travel direction non-coincident with the pivotal motion, to allow the fan module to be separated from the electronic component.
 2. The electronic component of claim 1, wherein the fan module is configured to be moveable via translation along the travel direction.
 3. The electronic component of claim 2, wherein the pivotal motion occurs around a pivot axis, and the travel direction is substantially parallel to the pivot axis.
 4. The electronic component of claim 3, wherein the at least one fan comprises at least two fans configured to spin about axes oriented substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and to the travel direction.
 5. The electronic component of claim 1, further comprising a hinged door mounted to the enclosure, wherein the fan module is configured to be removably mounted to the hinged door, and the hinged door allows the pivotal motion of the fan module with respect to the enclosure.
 6. The electronic component of claim 5, wherein the hinged door defines a slot or recess, and the fan module is configured to be removably received within the slot or recess to permit removable mounting of the fan module to the hinged door.
 7. The electronic component of claim 6, wherein the slot or recess extends in a vertical direction, and the travel direction is coincident with the vertical direction, such that the fan module is configured to travel in the vertical direction to permit the fan module to be selectively installed or de-installed relative to the hinged door.
 8. The electronic component of claim 5, further comprising a retention mechanism configured for releasable engagement between the fan module and the hinged door, wherein engagement of the retention mechanism is configured to disallow movement of the fan module along the travel direction.
 9. The electronic component of claim 1, wherein the at least one fan comprises at least four fans configured to spin about axes oriented substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and to the travel direction, and wherein the fan module is positioned along the front side of the enclosure.
 10. The electronic component of claim 1, further comprising an engagement mechanism configured for releasable engagement between the fan module and the enclosure, wherein engagement of the engagement mechanism is configured to disallow pivotal motion of the fan module with respect to the enclosure.
 11. The electronic component of claim 1, wherein the fan module comprises a first electrical plug or receptacle configured to communicate at least one of power signals or data signals between the fan module and the electronic component.
 12. The electronic component of claim 11, wherein the enclosure comprises a hinged door, the hinged door comprises a second electrical plug or receptacle configured to mate with the first electrical plug or receptacle.
 13. The electronic component of claim 1, wherein the fan module includes a retractable handle configured to permit the fan module to be pulled along the travel direction.
 14. An electronic component comprising: an enclosure comprising a front side and a rear side; a door mounted to the enclosure, defining a slot or recess, and arranged for pivotal motion with respect to the enclosure; and a fan module configured to be removably received within the slot or recess to permit the fan module to be selectively installed or de-installed relative to the door, wherein the fan module comprises at least one fan arranged to force cooling air through at least a portion of the enclosure.
 15. The electronic component of claim 14, wherein the slot or recess extends in a vertical direction, such that the fan module is configured to travel in the vertical direction to permit the fan module to be selectively installed or de-installed relative to the door.
 16. The electronic component of claim 14, wherein the at least one fan comprises at least two fans configured to spin about axes oriented substantially perpendicular to a pivot axis of the door and to the vertical direction.
 17. A method of servicing an electronic component comprising an enclosure, the method comprising: pivotally moving a hinged door of the enclosure about a pivot axis, opening the hinged door relative to the enclosure, wherein the hinged door comprises a fan module including at least one fan; and moving the fan module along a travel direction non-coincident with a direction of pivotal motion of the hinged door until the fan module is separated from the electronic component.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein movement of the fan module along the travel direction comprises translation of the fan module in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the hinged door defines a slot or recess, and movement of the fan module along the travel direction comprises removal of the fan module from the slot or recess.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising disengaging a retention mechanism configured for releasable engagement between the fan module and the hinged door prior to movement of the fan module along the travel direction.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein movement of the fan module along the travel direction disconnects at least one data connection or power connection between the fan module and the electronic component. 22.-40. (canceled) 